APRIL 23, 2025 — A proposal for a new, inclusive flag for Northern Ireland need not contradict aspirations for Irish unity, according to Professor David Mitchell of Trinity College Dublin.
In a newly published academic paper, The Flag that Does Not Exist – Yet?, Mitchell contends that a neutral regional emblem could foster unity and civic pride, while respecting diverse constitutional preferences.
Mitchell, who has studied peacebuilding in Northern Ireland for two decades, draws comparisons with Cornwall, which uses a regional flag widely without political overtones.
“There’s a flag-shaped hole in the north of Ireland,” he told the Irish Times.
The academic cites recent remarks by Conal Heatley, CEO of Commonwealth Games Northern Ireland (CGNI), who has called for retiring the Ulster Banner ahead of the 2026 Games in Glasgow. Heatley argued the flag—frequently linked with sectarian intimidation and lacking official status—should no longer represent Northern Irish athletes.
His stance has triggered political backlash and security threats, prompting a temporary closure of the CGNI’s Belfast office.
Despite opposition, Mitchell suggests the CGNI debate highlights the limited symbolic options available. He emphasizes that a new flag would not replace existing ones or negate national identities, but rather offer a unifying emblem grounded in regional geography, culture, and diversity.
There’s a shared affection for place in the north—its people, landscape, food, and humor—he said.
While acknowledging the Red Hand’s common recognition, Mitchell noted its politicized history likely precludes its use in a new design.
He proposes that any new flag be developed under the oversight of the Commission for Cultural Expression and endorsed by the Stormont Executive. Once introduced, he believes the flag could gain widespread acceptance, akin to symbols like the PSNI badge or NI Assembly logo.
Mitchell also argues that nationalists should not view the idea as a concession. “I believe there are regional identities in other parts of Ireland, so we could have a flag to express a kind of a broadly northern identity also,” he said.
Image: ITookSomePhotos, CC BY-SA 4.0
